Wildfire Preparedness Resources
Wildfire preparedness is most effective when neighbors work together. Whether you’re just getting started or looking to improve your home’s resilience, these resources can help you reduce wildfire risk, prepare for emergencies, and protect what matters most.
Home Hardening
Home hardening focuses on reducing the ways embers, radiant heat, and flames can ignite your home during a wildfire. Small improvements can make a significant difference.
- Zone 0 recommendations
- Ember-resistant vents
- Roofing materials and gutter
- Windows and siding
- Decks and fences
Read More Home Hardening Resources
Highly Recommended - Free HIZ assessment:
The Home Ignition Zone (HIZ) Program is provided free of charge from the Fire Safe Council of Santa Cruz County (FSCSCC). Upon request, a volunteer HIZ Assessor will visit the site and conduct a guided walk through with the resident in order to provide real-time feedback and address any questions or concerns specific to the property. The assessment provides educational information related to Home Hardening and Defensible Space to the resident.
The HIZ program is now live for 2026! To sign up for an HIZ assessment of your home, please fill out this form:
Defensible Space
Defensible space is the buffer between your home and surrounding vegetation that helps slow wildfire spread and improves firefighter access.
Topics include:
- Zone 0 (0-5 feet)
- Zone 1 (5-30 feet)
- Zone 2 (30-100 feet)
- Vegetation management
- Seasonal maintenance
Recommended Resources:
- CAL FIRE Defensible Space Guidelines
- Santa Cruz County FireSafe Council Resources
- Chipping Programs from Santa Cruz County Resource Conservation District (Spring and Fall)
Emergency Preparedness
Wildfires and other emergencies can happen with little warning. Having a plan helps keep your family safe and reduces stress during an evacuation.
- Emergency alerts
- Family communication plans
- Evacuation planning
- Go-bags and emergency supplies
- Pet preparedness
- Text groups & MURS radios
Santa Cruz County Emergency Alerts & Notifications:
Insurance & Firewise
As insurance requirements continue to evolve throughout California, communities are increasingly looking for ways to demonstrate proactive wildfire risk reduction. Firewise recognition highlights the collective efforts neighbors are making to improve preparedness, reduce risk, and strengthen community resilience.
While Firewise recognition does not guarantee insurance availability or discounts, many homeowners find that participation supports conversations about wildfire mitigation and risk reduction. Share our map and certificate with your agent. Lost your insurance? You're not alone. Learn about the CA FAIR Plan.
Maps & Community Documents
Access important community documents and maps.
Available Documents:
- OSJ Road Firewise Community Boundary Map (below)
- Firewise USA® Certificate of Recognition (below)
- OSJ Road Firewise Three Year Plan
- OSJ Road Firewise Neighborhood Survey
